The Julian Ongpin Young Artists (JOYA) gallery has opened its door to art aficionados who are sure to appreciate the works of emerging international artists alongside a select stable of the country’s emerging and most inspired artistic talent. JOYA, which will cater to all demographics and represent artists of all ages and stations in life, is the brainchild of Julian Ongpin, who described himself as a “fanatical graffiti artist” when he was a teenager growing up in Sydney.
The son of business magnate Roberto “Bobby” Ongpin and the late Della Stone who was an avid collector of both Australian and Philippine Art, Julian’s love for art is not surprising since he is a direct descendant (on his paternal side) of Damian Domingo, the first great Filipino painter. His great-great grandfather Roman, who had an art supply shop called El 82, was a friend and patron of Filipino artists and also helped fund the revolution. Julian’s great grandfather Alfonso Ongpin is still renowned to this day for his impressive collection of Lunas, Hidalgos, Amorsolos and many other famous Filipino artists.
and Bobby Ongpin
“My father, Roberto, while not an artist in the normal sense of the word, maintains his hand through creating such wonders as Tagaytay Highlands, Alphaland Makati Place and the Balesin Island Club,” the young Ongpin notes.
JOYA’s debut show, “Frontiers,” features the works of Australian Henry Curchod via a series called Reductions, and young Filipino photographer Artu Nepomuceno with his first abstract offering entitled Psychedelic Warfare.
Showcasing the different states of movement and tension within each artist’s collection, “Frontiers” seeks to highlight the differing stages of spiritual and emotional balance that have surfaced in the constantly changing landscape of people’s consciousness.
The Julian Ongpin Young Artists gallery is located on the second floor of Alphaland Makati Place, corner Malugay and Ayala Avenue Extension, Makati.